Accused Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities Say.

The two alleged individuals who carried out the deadly shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to national police.

Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Preparation During Stay

Police have stated the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.

The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.

"We are currently examining the evidence," she said, noting that initial evaluations indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have been lone actors."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.

"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a larger organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an attack," she emphasized.

Yet, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett noted. She stressed that, as the investigation is continuing, fresh information could come to light.

Inspiration and Court Charges

Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—are accused of having shot participants at the Jewish festival celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.

Travel Details

In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.

The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.